Takeda Collaborates with VELA Pioneer Wind-Powered Transatlantic Medicine Transport; Sailing Cargo Trimaran to Carry Takeda Products In Net-Zero Supply Chain Push

Takeda and VELA Transport today announced a strategic partnership, making Takeda the first biopharmaceutical company to ship products between Europe and the U.S. using VELA’s sailing cargo trimaran fleet. Powered 100% by wind at sea, the new vessels are designed specifically for pharmaceutical transport and will debut with a maiden voyage in late 2026.

VELA’s trimarans offer an ultra-low-emission alternative to traditional shipping and air freight, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% compared with air freight and 90% compared with container ships. The vessels will also feature CoolSafe by VELA, a Good Distribution Practice (GDP)-compliant, renewable energy–powered refrigeration system to ensure cold-chain integrity and product safety.

“We strongly believe that VELA and Takeda share the same passion for innovating and protecting the planet by implementing more sustainable business practices. Shipping by sail is an exciting step in supporting Takeda’s distribution and logistics strategy to use more sustainable and efficient modes of transportation. It is a true adventure and motivating for all team members to reestablish sailing cargo shipping lines between Europe and the U.S.,” said Xavier Baville, head of global distribution and logistics, customer experience at Takeda. 

Takeda’s partnership with VELA aligns with its pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. VELA plans to expand its fleet to five vessels by 2028, capable of transporting up to 48,000 tons annually, with crossing times of under 15 days, faster than traditional containerised sea freight. The trimaran’s aluminium build, ballast-free design, and full recyclability further reinforce its biodiversity and sustainability benefits.

“We are deeply honored to partner with Takeda, a company whose values, history, and pursuit of excellence inspire us. For VELA, this business partnership carries us far beyond logistics; it brings meaning to our mission. Delivering life-transforming treatments across the Atlantic using only the power of the wind is a powerful example of what sustainable business practice can achieve. Together, we are building a new standard for maritime transport: efficient, sustainable, safe, and resilient,” said Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, CEO of VELA.

This collaboration highlights Takeda’s belief that planetary health is directly tied to human health, while demonstrating how climate-conscious logistics and operational excellence can coexist. For VELA, the deal marks a major step in its mission to decarbonise sea freight and accelerate the adoption of renewable-powered maritime transport.